Strategic Context
The context in which the ministry provides its services and programs is changing more rapidly than ever before. Trends and events within British Columbia and beyond our borders are intricately linked to the achievement of ministry objectives. These major trends, and the internal and external environment in which the ministry operates, pose challenges as well as opportunities for the ministry.
Ministry Priorities
The ministry is responsible for assisting the government in delivering on its Five Great Goals (see Linkage to the Five Great Goals in the Overview section). Thus, government priorities inform the context in which the ministry defines its own goals, objectives and strategies.
Some of the priorities the ministry must address over the coming year include providing leadership in best environmental practices, supporting exemplary fisheries management, and achieving the best air and water quality. Public expectations are high. There is an ever increasing need for cooperation across agencies, and between all levels of government. However, success in addressing these priorities lies not only in the delivery of effective public policy, programs and legislation but also in the willingness of all citizens, corporate and private, to embrace more sustainable approaches to land and resource use and to make healthy lifestyle choices.
An evolving business model. The ministry’s evolving business model includes developing and adopting outcome-based performance standards that are less prescriptive, based on results and designed to increase compliance with environmental regulations. This requires that the ministry focus its resources not only on transitioning to the new model but also on ensuring effective environmental protection and stewardship.
Effective partnerships with First Nations. First Nations are an important constituency both as individuals concerned with the environment and as landowners and economic proponents with significant development proposals. The ministry has a lawful obligation to consult and accommodate First Nations interests in a manner consistent with provincial policy and the rulings of the courts. The ministry is committed to developing effective partnerships with First Nations, resulting in increased economic certainty for Crown lands and resources. Currently, the ministry is actively supporting and developing Parks Collaborative Management Agreements and Regional Fish and Wildlife Advisory Agreements. The development of these agreements will involve an increasing number of the province’s First Nations.
Strategies for an aging workforce. British Columbia, like all of Canada and much of the western world, has an aging population and an aging workforce. Twenty four per cent of ministry staff will be eligible to retire by 2010. The ministry is developing a People Strategy that will address “people planning” issues over the years to come. However, like the rest of the country, B.C. will be challenged to meet this ever-increasing human resource need, which is already being felt within some specializations and some geographic jurisdictions. To inspire a new generation of conservationists for the 21st century, the ministry has implemented the B.C. Conservation Corps program with the assistance of the B.C. Conservation Foundation. Projects sponsored through this program offer work experience for students and recent graduates and include opportunities for skill development and mentoring under the guidance of senior ministry staff.
The ministry must also consider and adapt to environmental, economic and societal factors, many of which are outside its influence. Selected trends and examples of how the ministry is addressing the issues they raise are presented below.
Environmental Trends and Issues
Population and urban growth. Rapid population and urban growth can significantly impact air, land and water quality, especially in southern regions of the province. A major factor driving population growth is migration: 61% of projected growth is from people coming to B.C. from other countries and 36% from other provinces. The remaining three per cent results from people being born here.1 Population increases put pressure on communities, resulting in greater water, land and energy consumption, and discharge of pollutants into the environment. The ministry is responding to these challenges through its continued work to encourage healthy lifestyle choices and sustainable environmental practices. One example includes the ministry’s evolving new strategies to divert electronic and demolition waste from landfills.
Climate change. The issue of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions continues to be a concern to British Columbians and across nations. Over the last century, average temperatures have changed worldwide, contributing to imbalances in ecosystems and weather patterns. Between 1895 and 1995, the average annual temperature in B.C. warmed by 0.6 degrees Celsius.2 The average sea level rose 4 to 12 cm along most of the province’s coast between 1909 and 1999.3 Warmer temperatures throughout the province have supported the rapid spread of the Mountain Pine Beetle. The ministry is leading the implementation of the government’s response to climate change as outlined in Weather, Climate and the Future: B.C.’s Plan. The ministry is also funding studies of air quality and climate change by the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia.
Water supply. British Columbia’s water resource is one of our most precious and important assets, one we often take for granted. Future economic prosperity, healthy communities, quality of life and the environment depend on a safe and sustainable supply of high quality water. Pressures on our freshwater resources include a growing population and urban, agricultural and industrial development, climate change, more intensive use of domestic water supply areas for resource development, waterborne diseases, loss of riparian vegetation and damage to instream habitat. The ministry is working to integrate water stewardship into local government planning and engaging in outreach activities to foster water awareness within communities. The ministry is continuing the implementation of source water protection under the Action Plan for Safe Drinking Water in B.C. and is completing phases 2 and 3 of the Ground Water Protection Regulation.
| 1 | BC Stats. P.E.O.P.L.E. May 2005. |
| 2 | Weather Climate and the Future: B.C.’s Plan. 2004. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection (www.env.gov.bc.ca/air/climate). |
| 3 | Indicators of Climate Change for British Columbia. 2002. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. |
Unpredictable natural and biological events. Severe and unpredictable natural or biological events have an impact on ecosystems, human health, and on local, national and international economies. In past years, forest fires have had devastating impacts on communities and parks in the interior of the province. The ministry continues to work on reducing the wildfire fuel hazard in provincial parks and protected areas and continues ecosystem restoration. Flood prevention and public safety through integrated flood hazard management are also ministry priorities. The threat of Avian Flu, which seriously affected the poultry industry in the Lower Mainland in 2004, continues to present a significant risk.
Economic Trends and Issues
Continued economic growth. British Columbia is forecasted to remain a top economic performer in 2006. High commodity prices and an impressive job creation rate are cited as reasons for this forecast. Although some diversification has occurred, B.C. exports are still largely resource based (e.g., forest products, oil, natural gas, coal and minerals). The resurgence of the coal industry and the ever-increasing demand for and use of combustible energy sources may provide economic benefits, but they threaten the global environment and must be balanced against their impact on the environment. The ministry’s new responsibility for oceans and marine fisheries opens up opportunities for growth in the seafood sector and increased competitiveness in global markets.
Effects of the Mountain Pine Beetle. The Mountain Pine Beetle has threatened the economic stability of forest-dependent communities and the health of provincial parks and protected areas. The interior of British Columbia has experienced several consecutive mild winters and drought-like summers. The beetle thrives under such warm weather conditions, and beetle populations in many interior locations have increased to epidemic levels. Although increased harvesting of affected pine has created short-term economic growth, the continued spread of the beetle presents a significant challenge to these communities and to major tourism destinations such as Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. The ministry is actively participating in cross ministry initiatives, such as the government’s Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan to address the impacts and implications of this infestation and the management activities undertaken to deal with it.
The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The 2010 Olympics present a unique opportunity to showcase the province on an international scale and create lasting economic opportunities for British Columbians. The ministry is focusing efforts on enhancing economic benefits linked to recreational activities, parks and overall environmental health. In preparation for the Games, the ministry is investing in new facilities and infrastructure for B.C. parks and upgrading provincial campgrounds. The ministry is also enhancing opportunities for recreational fishing and wildlife viewing.
Societal Trends and Issues
Healthy British Columbians. Like many other jurisdictions, British Columbia is intensifying its focus on the health of its citizens and is actively encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. Through the government’s ActNow BC program, and agencies such as the B.C. Conservation Corps, B.C. Wildlife Federation and Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C., the ministry is developing initiatives to increase the participation of people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds in healthy lifestyle choices and outdoor activities.
Sustainable Communities. A sustainable community is one where people want to live and work, now and in the future. Such communities balance and integrate economic viability, social equity, cultural well-being and ecological health. There are many sustainability initiatives underway both within and outside of government. Under the Sustainable Communities Initiative, the ministry is identifying and assessing opportunities to support sustainability efforts and initiatives across all levels of government, non-government organizations, academic institutions and the private sector.
